Raiders reportedly expected to bring back Michael Crabtree

The Oakland Raiders are expected to bring back wide receiver Michael Crabtree next season, according to a report.

The Athletic’s Vic Tafur reported on Tuesday night that Crabtree is expected to be back with the Raiders. There was speculation that he could be cut to clear salary cap space given that he was set to make $7.5 million that wasn’t guaranteed.

But despite Crabtree’s issues with the previous coaching staff, Tafur says new Raiders head coach Jon Gruden is ready to give the receiver a fresh start.

Much like the rest of the Raiders’ offense, Crabtree was a disappointment last season. He only caught 58 passes for 618 yards and eight touchdowns. In his first two seasons with the team, he averaged 87 catches for 962 yards and 8.5 touchdowns.

Gruden, who is known as an offensive mind, should be able to bring out the best in Derek Carr, Crabtree, and Amari Cooper.